In the past, South Africans have joked about radio veterans; DJ Fresh, DJ Sbu, Robert Marawa, and MacG, Tbo Touch starting their own radio stations as radio jocks who have previously been fired, and call it Fired FM.?

?DOING IT ON THEIR OWN?

Well, former Umhlobo Wenbene DJs have taken the idea seriously and started their own online radio station. Following their departure from Umhlobo Wenene FM, presenters Rev Mzukisi Faleni, Lulu Haarmans, Xolisile Sinbad Sizani, Noxie Speelman, and Rev Otto Makalima decided to start their own online radio station, Ilizwi FM. These presenters include the ones the station fired and those whose contracts were not renewed by the station. ?

ALL ABOUT THE NEW STATION?

The Christian station will resume on 1 January 2023 and will offer 60% talk and 40% music as well as live and pre-recorded content. Based in Gqeberha, the station will be led by Rev Mzukisi Faleni who will be the station manager. Faleni was fired by the Umhlobo Wenene following allegations of conflict of interest. This is after he was included as a contributor to a programme at Zibonele FM, a community radio station in the Western Cape. He however denied any conflict of interest. Ilizwi FM's slogan is 'Siyintando Yakho' which translates to 'We Are Your Will,' Faleni will host Imvuselelo on Sunday evenings, similar to the one he hosted on Umhlobo Wenene.